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On January 8, 2024, Cube Entertainment announced (G)I-dle would be releasing their second studio album titled 2 on January 29. Four days later, a comeback trailer was released. On January 13, the promotional schedule was released. On January 21, the music video teaser for "Wife" was released. A day later, "Wife" was released alongside its music video.
Music and lyrics
"Wife" was written and composed by Soyeon in the key of B minor with a tempo of 124 beats per minute. Described as bubblegum bass-based pop song with "bold" lyrics that "attracts attention with metaphorical but explicit" imagery. Serving as a manifesto on "cooking" and "cleaning," the song cleverly mocks the stereotype of "the wife" through highly suggestive lyrics imbued with sexual undertones.
Controversy
After the release of "Wife", a debate erupted among netizens regarding its lyrics. Some argued that it evoked explicit sexual imagery, while others saw it as a portrayal of freedom of expression, depicting an independent woman "who refuses to conform to passive wife stereotypes". The song's controversial content led to discussions among South Korean music broadcasters about its suitability for airing. While SBS and MBC deemed it appropriate, KBS ruled it unsuitable because of its suggestive content. Despite KBS's decision on January 25, Cube Entertainment declined to seek reconsideration, stating that "'Wife' doesn't align with the group's broadcasting endeavors they won't alter the song lyrics based on Jeon So-yeon's decision, affirming her commitment to artistic expression".
Kim, Hyun-sik (January 8, 2024). (여자)아이들, 정규 앨범으로 29일 컴백 [(G)I-dle, comeback on the 29th with regular album] (in Korean). E-daily. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Kim, Na-yul (January 12, 2024). (여자)아이들, 정규 2집 트레일러..블랙 립 파격비주얼 [(G)I-dle, 2nd full-length album trailer.. Black lip striking visuals] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Yoon, Jun-ho (January 13, 2024). (여자)아이들, 더 강력하게 돌아온다...정규 2집 '2' 스케줄러 전격 공개 [(G)I-dle, coming back stronger...Scheduler for 2nd full-length album '2' released] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Kim, No-eul (January 21, 2024). (여자)아이들, 정규 2집 마지막 트랙 'Wife' MV 티저 공개 [(G)I-dle releases MV teaser for 'Wife', the final track of their 2nd full-length album] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Kang, Ka-hee (January 22, 2024). '컴백' (여자)아이들, 'Wife' 깜짝 선공개..5人5色 키치 매력 ['Comeback' (G)I-dle, surprise pre-release of 'Wife'..5 people, 5 colors, kitsch charm] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Jeong, Hee-yeon (January 22, 2024). "키스하고 먹어치워" (여자)아이들, 선공개곡 '와이프' 공개 ["Kiss and eat it up" (G)I-dle releases pre-release song 'Wife'] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Jeong, Ha-eun (January 24, 2024). (여자)아이들, 선정성 논란도 끄떡없다! 선주문 180만장 '커리어하이' [(G)I-DLE, no problem with provocative controversy! Pre-orders: 1.8 million copies, 'career high'] (in Korean). Sports Seoul. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Oh, Ji-won (January 25, 2024). [단독] (여자)아이들 'wife', KBS 재심의 신청 안 한다..."타이틀 활동 집중" [ (G)I-DLE's 'wife' does not apply for KBS reconsideration..."Focus on title activities"] (in Korean). YTN News. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
Choi, Ji-ye (February 2, 2024). 선정성 논란 묵살해버린 전소연, (여자)아이들 프로듀서로 롱런하려면 [TEN피플] [Jeon So-yeon, who ignored the sensationalism controversy, wants a long run as a (G)I-DLE producer ] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Retrieved February 11, 2024 – via Naver.
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